Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BULL'S HEAD, n. “A signal of condemnation, and prelude of immediate execution, said to have been anciently used in Scotland” (Sc. 1825 Jam.2). See also J. H. Burton Hist. of Scot. (1876) II. 416 and H. Tayler Child Sovereigns of Scot. (1937) 38.Edb. 1802–1803 J. Leyden in Minstr. Sc. Border (ed. Scott) II. 365:
And if the bull's ill omened head Appear to grace the feast, Your whingers with unerring speed, Plunge in each neighbour's breast.
